Key Highlights
- BBC’s Winterwatch 2026 will broadcast live from Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland for the first time.
- The programme features Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Iolo Williams guiding viewers through winter wildlife across the UK.
- Mount Stewart offers a unique microclimate with ancient woodlands, rich wetlands, and Strangford Lough providing habitats for various species.
- The series promises to showcase pine martens, red squirrels, and waterfowl migration patterns during the winter months.
BBC’s Winterwatch 2026: A Wildlife Spectacular in Northern Ireland
BBC’s beloved wildlife documentary Winterwatch 2026 is set to captivate audiences once again, but this year marks an exciting new chapter. For the first time ever, the programme will broadcast live from Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, offering viewers a unique insight into the winter world of the UK.
A Unique Winter Stage
Mount Stewart, cared for by the National Trust, is renowned for its mild microclimate and diverse habitats. The estate boasts ancient woodlands, rich wetlands, and Strangford Lough, creating a perfect stage for the winter wildlife spectacle. Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Iolo Williams will guide viewers through this enchanting landscape, promising to capture the beauty and vulnerability of our natural world.
Highlights from Mount Stewart
The team is particularly excited about the opportunity to showcase the pine martens that call Mount Stewart home. These elusive creatures are making a quiet comeback in Northern Ireland and will be abundant during the series, offering viewers a chance to observe their winter antics through innovative live camera rigs.
Red squirrels also feature prominently on the list of anticipated guests. The estate’s mixed woodland provides an ideal setting for these charming creatures, whose energetic dashes between trees will be captured by remote cameras. The pine martens and red squirrels share this habitat, creating a fascinating dynamic that promises to keep audiences engaged.
Nature’s Winter Drama
Strangford Lough becomes a sanctuary for thousands of migratory waterbirds during the winter months. Viewers can anticipate the arrival of various species including Brent geese, whooper swans, and large gatherings of wigeon, teal, and shelduck. The series will bring to life the drama of their daily routines, from dawn feeding frenzies to twilight roosts.
In addition, hidden lives beneath the woodlands await exploration through infrared cameras.
These cameras will give audiences unprecedented access to badgers, revealing how they conserve energy and navigate cold nights. Winterwatch will also be on the lookout for playful cubs and the social politics of sett life.
Other Wildlife Highlights
The local skies are patrolled by impressive winter raptors such as buzzards, sparrowhawks, and red kites. Otters have been spotted on the shoreline of Strangford Lough, making their way through the estate’s waterways. The series will be poised to capture these animals in action, providing viewers with a thrilling aerial and aquatic adventure.
Beyond Mount Stewart, Winterwatch will also showcase pre-recorded films that document winter wildlife across the UK. These stories celebrate the passionate people going the extra mile to preserve and protect threatened species, offering a broader perspective on the challenges and triumphs of our natural world.
Unforgettable Moments
To bring viewers closer to nature, Winterwatch will offer 90 seconds of mindful moments in each episode. These segments provide a chance for audiences to immerse themselves in pure natural beauty without music or presenter commentary, focusing solely on the sounds and sights of our winter wildlife wonders.
Expert Perspectives
Chris Packham shared his excitement about this new chapter: “I’ve been visiting Northern Ireland since the early 1990s and I always saw it as a very unspoilt part of the UK. It’s magnificent in terms of its natural resources, and it has some exceptional species.” He emphasized that while there have been challenges, the series aims to celebrate the positive changes.
Michaela Strachan echoed this sentiment: “Expect a winter celebration of the natural world. Expect a variety of wonderful wildlife and woolly hats.
Expect to be inspired and entertained. Expect science, storytelling, and humour.” She highlighted the potential for unexpected surprises during the live broadcasts, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Winterwatch 2026: A Must-See Event
BBC’s Winterwatch 2026 returns to BBC Two & iPlayer from Tuesday 20 January – Friday 23 January at 7pm, across four nights. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty and resilience of our winter wildlife in all its glory.
